SMU Associate Dean of Nursing Programs Named American Academy of Nursing Fellow
Dr. Jimmy Reyes, Associate Dean of Nursing Programs at Samuel Merritt University (SMU), was recently selected as a 2026 Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), one of the highest honors in the nursing profession.
For Reyes, being selected as a Fellow is deeply meaningful, both personally and professionally. “As someone whose journey began as an immigrant and first-generation nursing student,” he reflects, “this recognition represents the many mentors, communities, students, colleagues, and family members who have shaped and supported my path.”
Reyes is part of a distinguished class of Fellows who will be honored at the Academy's annual Health Policy Conference, held this October in Washington, D.C. Their induction will grow the Academy's Fellowship to more than 3,600 nurses working to advance health policy through leadership, innovation, and science.
To Reyes, the fellowship serves as a reminder that nursing leadership is not only about individual achievement, but about service, advocacy, and creating opportunities for others.
Debra J. Barksdale, American Academy of Nursing President, remarked, “it is a privilege to celebrate these remarkable nurse leaders whose vision, dedication, and accomplishments represent the very best of our profession. Their accomplishments demonstrate the depth and reach that define Fellowship in the Academy.”
Dr. Alexa Curtis, Dean of Nursing at SMU, noted that “this is a highly selective process and a considerable honor for Jimmy and SMU. I look forward to celebrating him at the induction ceremony in October.”
The 2026 Class of Fellows reflects the powerful role nurses play in promoting health and well-being. These newest Fellows are catalysts for change, leveraging their clinical expertise and scientific knowledge to address patient needs and solve complex health care challenges.
As part of this network of fellows, Reyes hopes to continue advancing health equity, community-engaged nursing education, and access to care for Latino, immigrant, refugee, rural, and underserved communities. He is particularly interested in strengthening academic–community partnerships, expanding community-based screening and navigation models, and preparing nurses to lead beyond traditional healthcare settings. “My goal is to contribute to national conversations and practical solutions that help nursing education and practice respond more directly to the needs of communities,” he says.
Reyes' selection as an AAN Fellow comes on the heels of another honor—he was elected last month to the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Board of Directors and will begin his two-year term on July 17.
